After enjoying breakfast, embark on a journey eastward to Andasibe, a stunning rainforest park located approximately four hours from the city. Comprising two protected areas—the Perinet Special Reserve and the Mantadia National Park—this park is globally renowned for its Indri lemurs, the largest species of living lemurs.

The picturesque route to Andasibe provides glimpses of Madagascar's rural life, showcasing lush rice fields, charming redbrick houses, and roadside stalls offering delectable seasonal fruits and vegetables.

In the afternoon, explore Lemur Island, a private reserve at Vakona Lodge that harbors several habituated lemur species. Here, you can observe four distinct species, including the bamboo lemur, the black & white ruffed lemur, the brown lemur, and the diademed sifaka.

Main Destination: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Accommodation: Mantadia Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located outside Andasibe-Mantadia NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Following your morning meal, embark on the journey to Mantadia National Park, located 1.5 hours away, equipped with a packed lunch. Here, you'll have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of various lemur species inhabiting this picturesque preserve, including the indri, diademed sifaka, grey bamboo lemur, red-bellied lemur, and white ruffed lemur.

Although the trails may pose some challenges, the experience is rewarding as the woodlands boast towering trees, dense foliage, and a tranquil atmosphere away from the crowds often found in Perinet. Mantadia also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, with species such as the scaly ground roller, pitta-like ground roller, and breasted coua waiting to be discovered.

To fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Mantadia, dedicate a full day to explore the park, ideal for nature enthusiasts keen on studying its diverse flora and fauna, including rare animal species, reptiles, insects, and birds.

Conclude your day with a picnic near the Rianasoa Waterfall before returning to your car and later, the lodge. As twilight descends, consider joining your local guide for another nocturnal trek to further explore the park's nocturnal wonders.

Rise early and fuel up with breakfast before embarking on a guided tour of Perinet Reserve, an expansive 810-hectare world heritage site renowned for its rare Indri lemur. This remarkable creature boasts a teddy-bear face, distinctive black and white markings, and an almost imperceptible tail.

The Indri is among the few creatures unable to thrive in captivity. As you traverse the rainforest, anticipate encounters with eleven lemur species, including the grey bamboo lemur, common brown lemur, diademed sifaka, and the Black and White Ruffed lemur.

Bird enthusiasts can keep an eye out for the velvet asity, blue coua, and Nuthatch vanga, among numerous endemic bird species. Additionally, Perinet Reserve is home to reptiles, invertebrates, and an estimated thousand orchid species.

After a satisfying lunch, return to Tana and proceed to your hotel to continue your journey.

Main Destination: Antananarivo (City)

Accommodation: Le Pavillon De L'Emyrne

• Mid-range hotel located in or near Antananarivo

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinks not included

We will head to Ivato Airport for a short flight to Fort Dauphin. Upon arrival, a guide and vehicle from Mandrare River Camp will be awaiting us to escort us to one of the city's finest restaurants.

After indulging in a meal, we'll embark on a scenic four-hour drive to Mandrare River Camp, where we'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Mandrare River. As night falls, we'll embark on a captivating night walk in the Forest of Zenavo. This presents a perfect opportunity to observe a variety of lemurs, including diurnal and nocturnal species, sifakas, white-foot sportive lemurs, mouse lemurs, along with an array of birds, chameleons, owls, and more!

After your morning meal, prepare for an exploration of the remarkable sacred gallery forest located south of the camp. Depending on the water level of the Mandrare River, you may either take a serene stroll or opt for a boat ride to reach the forest. Keep an eye out for playful ring-tailed lemurs and captivating Verreaux sifaka as you venture into this rich woodland, abundant with deciduous trees. Return to the camp for lunch and unwind with a leisurely afternoon by the pool.

Later, set out on foot to uncover the secrets of the sacred spiny forest—an area adorned with ancient tombs of the Antandroy tribe and teeming with unique wildlife and plants exclusive to this region. Accompanied by a private guide and tracker from the community, gain insight into the tribe's culture and traditions.

As evening descends, savour sunset views over the banks of the Mandrare River while enjoying refreshing drinks.

Following breakfast, return to Fort Dauphin and relish a delightful lunch at one of the local restaurants. Once your meal concludes, prepare for a 2.5-hour journey to Manafiafy Beach & Rainforest Lodge, also known as Sainte Luce.

This idyllic destination is famed for its picturesque sandy bay ensconced within a lush forest and thriving mangroves. Upon arrival, settle into your luxurious bungalow before embarking on a 4:30 pm night walk through the Coastal Rainforest.

During your expedition, keep a keen eye out for the diverse array of species inhabiting the area, including lemurs, over 80 different bird species (with nearly half being endemic), geckos, chameleons, and other reptiles.

As you traverse through the landscape, you may encounter nocturnal lemurs gracefully navigating through the trees, Madagascar scops owls, satanic leaf-tailed geckos, and various other creatures blending seamlessly into their natural surroundings.

Main Destination: Fort Dauphin (Town)

Accommodation: Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge

• Luxury lodge (with rustic facilities) located just outside Sainte Luce Reserve

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Prepare for a delightful start to your day with a scrumptious continental breakfast brimming with fresh fruit, chocolate croissants, bread, cereals, and more. Following your meal, immerse yourself in an enriching cultural experience at the Stitch Project and local woodworking shop, where you can delve into the traditions of the Antanosy community and their intricate embroidery skills.

Witness firsthand as women craft exquisite purses, belts, and other items using traditional Malagasy techniques. After indulging in a delectable 3-course lunch and some leisurely moments of relaxation, it's time to explore the natural wonders of the mangrove network.

Stretching 40km from Manafiafy to Fort Dauphin, this sprawling network provides an ideal setting for birdwatching, photography, and exploration, catering to botanists, landscape photographers, and thrill-seekers alike. Against the backdrop of the Anosy Mountain Range, keep your eyes peeled for endemic bird species such as the Madagascar malachite kingfisher, Madagascar pygmy kingfisher, Madagascar harrier hawk, Madagascar crested ibis, and blue coua.

Begin your day with a fulfilling breakfast before embarking on a morning journey to Fort Dauphin, which takes approximately 2.5 hours. Upon reaching the airport, board an Air Madagascar plane for your return flight to Antananarivo.

Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your personal guide who will transport you to your accommodation near the airport.

Today marks the end of your Classic Madagascar Tour, bringing a mix of emotions. Following breakfast, your personal guide will pick you up from your accommodation at Relais Des Plateaux. Together, you'll travel to Ivato Airport, where you'll board your international flight back home.